The most recent residential market forecasts published in February 2026 point to a gradual improvement in housing supply in Québec over the coming year. After a period of strong pressure on the housing stock, several indicators suggest a progressive rebalancing, driven both by slower population growth and by a sustained volume of rental construction. For the co-ownership sector, these trends deserve close attention, as they directly influence unit rentals, resales, and property values.
A more abundant rental supply
The number of rental housing starts has remained high, with more than 42,000 units launched last year and comparable projections for the current year. The arrival of these new units is contributing to rising vacancy rates in several markets. Rent increases are therefore expected to be more moderate than those seen in recent years.
In co-ownership buildings where several units are offered for rent, conditions are shifting slightly. Leasing times may become longer, and tenants have more options to choose from. Some unit owners who rent their units may need to adjust their terms or enhance their offering to remain competitive. This dynamic can also affect occupant turnover in certain buildings.
Resale market: buyers more attentive to building management
On the resale market, conditions generally remain favourable to sellers, but a better balance between supply and demand is expected. An increase in listings could lead to a stabilization of prices for existing properties starting in 2027, if demographic trends hold.
In the co-ownership sector, this type of market typically leads buyers to examine buildings more closely. The quality of management, planning for major work, the condition of the common portions, the upkeep of the maintenance logbook, and the strength of the contingency fund carry greater weight in purchase decisions. Well-structured and well-documented syndicates of co-ownership stand out more clearly.
Limited new co-ownership supply in the short term
New co-ownership development continues to grow more slowly than the rental segment. After several years of decline, condo housing starts have increased slightly but remain at low levels. High construction costs are still holding back many projects. In the Greater Montréal area, recent data show that a new condo can cost up to 30% more than a comparable unit built only a few years ago.
Current forecasts place a more meaningful rebound in co-ownership construction closer to 2027. Until then, the market is expected to adjust mainly through rental supply and the resale of existing units.
In this shifting environment, strong governance by syndicates of co-ownership remains a key factor. Financial transparency, work planning, and high-quality documentation continue to play a decisive role in protecting building value and reassuring both buyers and tenants.
Based on a article de La Presse
